Skip to content
HireLocal

Electrical Services

Compare local electrical pros across the US, Poland, the Netherlands, and Spain. Real rates, real reviews, and free quotes — no obligation.

Electrical services ensure your home's wiring, outlets, panels, and fixtures are safe, up to code, and functioning properly. From flickering lights and dead outlets to full panel upgrades and rewiring projects, electrical work requires licensed professionals who understand local building codes and safety standards.

When to Call a Pro

You might need an electrician when you notice frequent breaker trips, outlets that don't work, lights that flicker or dim, or when planning a renovation that adds new circuits. Older homes often need panel upgrades to handle modern appliance loads, and any DIY electrical work carries serious fire and shock risks.

How to Choose

When hiring an electrician, verify their license and insurance, ask about experience with your specific type of project, and request a detailed written estimate. Good electricians explain what needs to be done and why, pull necessary permits, and schedule inspections. Avoid anyone who offers to skip permits or work without insurance.

How to Choose

Electrical costs depend on the scope of work. A simple outlet repair may cost $75–$200, while a full panel upgrade typically runs $1,500–$4,000. Rewiring an entire home can cost $8,000–$15,000 or more depending on size and access. Always compare quotes from local licensed electricians.

Overview
8
Services
In this category
3
Countries
US · PL · NL
Under 24h
Quote response
Free, no obligation
27
Common problems
Diagnostic guides
Services

Services in this category

Diagnose first

Common issues we help solve

Flickering lights

Flickering lights can indicate loose wiring, an overloaded circuit, or a failing light fixture. If multiple lights flicker or the issue persists after replacing the bulb, it may be a wiring problem that poses a fire risk. An electrician should inspect the circuit and connections.

Tripping circuit breaker

A circuit breaker that trips repeatedly is a safety mechanism telling you something is wrong — usually an overloaded circuit, a short circuit, or a ground fault. Ignoring it can lead to electrical fires. An electrician can identify the root cause and may recommend a panel upgrade if your home's electrical capacity is insufficient.

Dead outlet

An outlet that suddenly stops working may have a tripped GFCI, a loose wire connection, or a damaged receptacle. While sometimes a simple reset fixes it, persistent dead outlets can signal a wiring issue that needs professional attention. An electrician can safely diagnose and repair the connection.

Outlets sparking

An outlet that sparks when you plug something in is a serious electrical hazard that can lead to arc faults, melted wiring, or even a house fire. The sparking may indicate loose connections, damaged insulation, or an overloaded circuit behind the wall. A licensed electrician should inspect the outlet and wiring immediately to prevent a dangerous situation from escalating.

Burning smell from outlet

A burning smell coming from an electrical outlet is an urgent warning sign that wiring behind the wall may be overheating or arcing. Ignoring this odor risks an electrical fire that can spread rapidly through wall cavities. Turn off the circuit breaker for that outlet and call a licensed electrician right away to inspect the wiring and replace any damaged components.

Light switch not working

A light switch that stops working can be caused by a faulty switch mechanism, a loose wire connection, or a deeper issue in the circuit. While it may seem minor, a malfunctioning switch can indicate hidden wiring problems that pose a fire risk. Have a qualified electrician diagnose the issue and replace the switch or repair the wiring safely.

Bathroom Fan Not Working

A bathroom exhaust fan that has stopped working, runs but fails to vent air, or makes loud grinding noises is more than a nuisance — it puts your home at risk for moisture buildup and mold growth. The problem may be electrical, a burned-out motor, or a blocked duct. An electrician can safely inspect the wiring and motor to restore proper ventilation.

Smoke Detector Keeps Beeping

A smoke detector that keeps chirping or beeping intermittently — even after battery replacement — may signal a wiring fault, a failing sensor, or an expired unit. Because smoke detectors are critical life-safety devices, persistent beeping should not be ignored. An electrician can test the circuit, replace hardwired units, and ensure your home meets current fire-safety codes.

Electrical Buzzing Sound

Buzzing, humming, or crackling sounds coming from outlets, switches, or the electrical panel are never normal and may indicate loose wiring, an overloaded circuit, or a failing breaker. These issues pose a serious fire hazard and should be addressed immediately. Turn off the affected circuit if possible and contact a licensed electrician for a thorough inspection.

Ceiling fan wobbling or making noise

A wobbling ceiling fan is more than annoying — it can loosen the mounting bracket from the electrical box over time, creating a falling hazard and stressing the wiring connections. Common causes include unbalanced blades (warped, dirty, or misaligned), a loose mounting bracket, a downrod that isn't fully tightened, or an electrical box not rated for fan support. If the wobble developed suddenly, a blade may be cracked or a screw may have backed out. An electrician can diagnose the root cause, re-secure or replace the mounting hardware, balance the blades, and verify the electrical box is fan-rated — critical for safety, as a standard lightweight ceiling box can't support the dynamic load of a spinning fan.

Outdoor light not working

A non-functioning outdoor light is both a safety hazard and a security concern — dark walkways increase fall risk, and unlit exteriors invite break-ins. The cause may be as simple as a burned-out bulb or corroded socket, but it can also indicate a tripped GFCI outlet, damaged wiring exposed to weather, a faulty photocell or motion sensor, or a deeper circuit issue. A licensed electrician can troubleshoot safely, replace weather-damaged components, and ensure the fixture meets outdoor-rated code requirements.

Landscape lighting not working

When outdoor landscape lights — pathway lights, uplights, spotlights, or deck lights — stop working or flicker inconsistently, the issue is usually a low-voltage wiring problem, a failed transformer, corroded connections, or damaged fixtures. Low-voltage landscape lighting (12V) is safer than line voltage but still requires proper installation to avoid tripped circuits, dim lights, and premature fixture failure. An electrician can trace wiring faults, test the transformer output, replace corroded connectors with waterproof splice kits, and ensure the system is balanced across runs.

Partial power outage in house

When some rooms or circuits lose power while the rest of the house stays on, the issue is usually a tripped breaker, a loose connection, or a failed leg of the 240V service entrance. Unlike a full outage caused by the utility, a partial outage is almost always inside your electrical system. An electrician can pinpoint the problem — from a faulty breaker to a damaged service cable — and restore full power safely.

Flickering outdoor lights

Outdoor lights that flicker, dim intermittently, or cut out entirely are more than a cosmetic issue — they compromise home security, create tripping hazards on walkways, and can signal dangerous electrical faults. The most frequent cause is corroded wire connections inside weathered junction boxes or fixture housings where moisture has worked past gaskets over time. Other common culprits include loose neutral connections at the breaker panel, overloaded circuits shared with high-draw appliances, photocell sensors failing in dusk-to-dawn fixtures, and voltage drop on long wire runs from the panel to distant yard lights. A licensed electrician can test voltage at each fixture, inspect connections for oxidation and heat damage, verify circuit loading, and replace degraded wiring, connectors, or fixtures. Prompt repair restores reliable illumination for safety and curb appeal while eliminating the risk of arcing that could ignite surrounding materials.

Electrical panel overheating

An overheating electrical panel is a serious fire hazard that demands immediate professional attention. Warm or hot panel covers, discolored wiring, or a burning smell near the breaker box indicate loose connections, overloaded circuits, or a failing breaker. A licensed electrician should inspect, diagnose, and repair the panel before a fire or equipment damage occurs.

Ceiling fan not spinning

A ceiling fan that hums but doesn't spin, or one that has stopped responding entirely, usually has a burned-out capacitor, a faulty pull-chain switch, or a wiring issue at the canopy. The motor capacitor is the most common failure point — it's a $5–$15 part that stores energy to start and maintain blade rotation. If the fan light works but the blades don't turn, the capacitor or motor winding is almost certainly the culprit. A licensed electrician can diagnose the failure, replace the capacitor or switch in under an hour, and verify the circuit is safe. Full fan replacement runs $150–$400 including labor if the motor itself has failed.

Warm or hot electrical outlet

An outlet that feels warm or hot to the touch is a serious electrical safety concern. Common causes include loose wiring connections that create resistance and heat, an overloaded circuit drawing more current than the wiring can safely carry, a failing outlet with worn internal contacts, or backstabbed wire connections (push-in rather than screw terminals) that loosen over time. A warm outlet is a potential fire hazard — the National Fire Protection Association reports that electrical failures cause an estimated 46,700 home fires annually. Stop using the outlet immediately, unplug all devices, and call a licensed electrician. Diagnosis and repair typically costs $100–$300.

Smoke detector chirping every minute

A smoke detector that chirps once every 30–60 seconds is signaling a low battery, end-of-life status, or sensor contamination. Replace the battery first — even hardwired detectors have a backup 9V or lithium cell that needs replacement every 6–12 months. If chirping continues with a fresh battery, check the manufacture date printed on the back: smoke detectors expire after 10 years (the radioactive sensor element degrades), and they will chirp continuously when expired. Dust and cobwebs inside the detector also trigger false low-battery chirps — vacuum the unit gently with a brush attachment. If you have multiple hardwired interconnected detectors that all chirp together, the issue is usually one bad unit on the circuit. An electrician charges $75–$200 to replace a hardwired smoke detector, or $300–$600 to replace a full set of 4–6 interconnected units. Never disable a chirping detector by removing the battery — it's a serious fire safety risk.

Outdoor outlet not working

An outdoor outlet that suddenly stops working is almost always a tripped GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter). Outdoor outlets are required by code to be GFCI-protected, and moisture, rain splash, a worn weatherproof cover, or a faulty tool or extension cord can trigger a trip. Before calling an electrician, locate the GFCI outlet that controls the circuit — it may be in the garage, bathroom, or on another exterior wall — and press the RESET button. If it trips again immediately or won't reset, the problem is deeper: a damaged outlet, corroded wiring from moisture intrusion, a faulty GFCI device, or a short circuit in the wiring run. A licensed electrician can test the circuit, replace a worn GFCI outlet ($75–$150 installed), upgrade a non-weatherproof outlet box to an in-use cover ($50–$100), or trace and repair damaged wiring ($150–$400). Never ignore a GFCI that won't reset — it's protecting you from a ground fault that could cause electrocution or fire.

Recessed lights turning off by themselves

Recessed (can) lights that turn off by themselves and come back on after a few minutes are almost always activating their built-in thermal protection cutoff. Every recessed housing has a thermal switch that kills power when the fixture overheats, preventing a fire in the ceiling cavity. Once it cools, the light comes back on — and the cycle repeats. The most common cause is using a bulb with higher wattage than the fixture is rated for: a 75W or 100W incandescent in a can rated for 60W generates far too much heat. The second cause is insulation contact. Non-IC-rated (insulation contact) housings require a minimum 3-inch clearance from insulation. If blown-in or batt insulation has been piled against or over a non-IC can, heat cannot dissipate and the thermal switch trips. Older non-IC cans installed in the 1980s and 1990s are especially prone to this after attic insulation upgrades. The easiest and safest fix is retrofitting with LED modules or LED bulbs, which produce a fraction of the heat — a 10W LED replaces a 65W incandescent flood. LED retrofit kits that snap into the existing housing cost $15–$40 per light and can be self-installed. If the housing itself is damaged, corroded, or non-IC-rated in an insulated ceiling, an electrician can replace it with a modern IC-rated, airtight housing ($100–$250 per fixture installed). A licensed electrician should also inspect the wiring connections inside the junction box — loose wire nuts or backstabbed connections in the fixture's J-box can arc and cause intermittent shutoffs ($75–$150 per service call). If multiple recessed lights on the same circuit are cycling off, the circuit itself may be overloaded.

Bathroom exhaust fan making loud noise

A bathroom exhaust fan that grinds, rattles, or hums loudly has usually reached the end of its motor bearings' life — most bath fans last 8–12 years before the motor wears out. Beyond being annoying, a failing fan no longer moves enough air to prevent moisture buildup, which leads to mold on grout, peeling paint, and even rotted ceiling joists. Replacing a bath fan is an electrical job: it involves disconnecting the old unit from its junction box, possibly resizing the ceiling opening, and wiring the new fan — which may require running a dedicated circuit if you're upgrading to a higher-CFM model with a heater or humidity sensor. A licensed electrician can swap a standard fan in 1–2 hours ($150–$350 for labor plus $50–$200 for the fan). If the ductwork is disconnected or venting into the attic (a code violation that causes attic mold), expect an additional $100–$300 to route the duct properly through the roof or soffit.

GFCI outlet keeps tripping

A GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlet that trips repeatedly is detecting a current leak — which could be a sign of damaged wiring, moisture in an outlet box, or a faulty appliance. While the device is doing its job protecting you, the underlying cause needs to be found and fixed by a licensed electrician.

Lights dim when appliances turn on

If lights flicker or noticeably dim every time a large appliance kicks on — the AC compressor, dryer, microwave, or vacuum — your electrical system is struggling to deliver enough power. This is called voltage drop and usually points to an undersized circuit, a loose connection, or an electrical panel that can't keep up with modern demand. Ignoring it risks overheating wires, tripped breakers, and in severe cases, an electrical fire. A licensed electrician can measure the voltage drop, tighten connections, add a dedicated circuit for the offending appliance, or recommend a panel upgrade.

Smoke coming from an electrical outlet

Smoke or a burning smell from an electrical outlet is a fire emergency that demands immediate action. It usually means wiring behind the outlet has overheated due to a loose connection, an overloaded circuit, or damaged insulation. Turn off the breaker that serves the outlet and call a licensed electrician — do not attempt to use or inspect the outlet yourself, as arcing inside the wall can re-ignite even after power is cut.

Ceiling fan light not working

When a ceiling fan's light kit stops working while the fan motor still spins, the issue is usually in the pull chain switch, the light kit wiring, or the wall switch/remote receiver. If replacing the bulb doesn't fix it, an electrician can diagnose whether the switch, socket, or wiring has failed.

Power surge damage

A power surge — a sudden spike in voltage lasting microseconds to milliseconds — can destroy sensitive electronics, damage appliances, and in severe cases melt wiring insulation or start fires. Common causes include lightning strikes, utility grid switching, and large appliances cycling on and off. A licensed electrician can install whole-house surge protection at the main panel, check grounding, and assess damage to circuits after a surge event.

EV charger not working or charging slowly

A home EV charger (Level 2, 240V) that stops working, trips breakers, or charges slower than expected usually points to an electrical issue rather than a charger defect. Common causes: the dedicated 40–50 amp circuit breaker trips due to a loose connection or undersized wiring, the GFCI protection built into the EVSE trips from moisture or a ground fault, the outlet (NEMA 14-50) has loose terminals that overheat, or the charger's internal contactor has failed. Before calling an electrician ($75–$150 service call + $50–$100/hour), check the breaker panel — if the EV circuit breaker has tripped, reset it once. If it trips again within a day, the circuit has a fault that needs professional diagnosis. Slow charging (getting only 15 miles/hour instead of the expected 25–30) often means the charger is throttling due to a voltage drop — the wiring run is too long or the wire gauge is undersized for the distance.

Choose between options

How to choose the right service

Pricing

Pricing & cost guides

Career path

Want to become an electrician?

Licensing, apprenticeship pathway, tools, and country-by-country detail for electricians.

How to become an electrician
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

  • What electrical services are available?
    We connect you with licensed electricians for general electrical repairs, wiring and rewiring projects, and electrical panel upgrades. Every electrician on HireLocal is local and reviewed.
  • How much does an electrician cost?
    Electrician rates in the US typically range from $50–$130 per hour. An outlet repair costs $75–$200, a panel upgrade $1,500–$4,000, and whole-home rewiring $8,000–$15,000+. Get multiple quotes for the best price.
  • Do I need a permit for electrical work?
    Most electrical work beyond simple fixture swaps requires a permit. Licensed electricians handle permit applications and schedule required inspections. Unpermitted work can void insurance and create safety hazards.
  • How do I know if my electrical panel needs upgrading?
    Signs include frequent breaker trips, a panel rated below 200 amps in a modern home, visible rust or corrosion, use of fuse boxes instead of breakers, or plans to add major appliances like EV chargers or hot tubs.